Having run out of images of birds from the Netherlands (for the time being ), I have yet another trick up my sleeve... A Bananaquit from the Netherlands Antillies! While this little guy doesn't know it, did you know that Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius are all Dutch colonies!?! Considering all the rain and cloudy weather the Netherlands is prone to, I think it is a stroke of enterprising genius that they purchased these islands in order to reach their Vitamin D quota. And as a bonus they get to see these bold and colorful feathered gems. #bananaquit#coerebaflaveola#netherlandsantilles#birdsofaruba __________________________________
Aruba
Netherlands Antilles
January 2011

A Wood Duck I found today while out birding in #Sarnia This guy was hanging out with the Mallards and popped out from the breakwall as I approached it. A fun find for the day!
#birding#birdyourworld#ontario

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and pay attention to what's around you. You might be amazed by what is hiding in plain site when you take the time to look. ⠀
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Here's a final report from one member of our team: "I stayed in one spot, and my final count was 12 species with over 150 birds counted. Even if you limit yourself to a small area for watching, it’s amazing the number and variety of birds that stop by if you’re paying attention."⠀
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What did you see during your count? And where were you reporting from? ⠀
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Eastern bluebird photo taken by David Braud ( @finches2falcons ) at Radnor lake. ⠀
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#greatbackyardbirdcount#gbbc#birdyourworld#yearofthebird#arocha#arochausa#loveyourplace#communityconservation

Tones of Home (Field Sparrow ). If asked why I like "boring little brown birds" I would have to say it's because I don't find them boring at all. Hawks, Owls and Falcons may reign supreme for striking awe into our hearts, and North America's colorful Wood Warblers may get all the Ooo's and Ah's, but for me, there is no package more pleasing than the one contained in the earth-toned plumage of the New World Sparrows (Family Emberizidae ). I even love the word "sparrow" which originates from the Anglo-Saxon "spearwa" meaning "flutterer" and my favorite genus of flutteters is the Spizella genus. In this genus you will find American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Black-chinned and Brewer's Sparrow, and of course, the Field Sparrow. Admittedly, there is no outstanding feature about the Field Sparrow that impresses the eye, and even Roger Tory Peterson accused the Field Sparrow as having a "blank stare". But for me it is the lack of wow-factor that warrants closer observation and leads to more intimate knowledge. I mean when one of your key field marks is a pale eye ring, you need to be really taking the time to look at this bird, soaking in the soft browns and grays, and asking yourself the key questions about what it is you are exactly seeing. And isn't that the whole idea? Isn't that what led me to making this very image? #fieldsparrow#spizellapusilla#passerines ________________________________
Demerest Lloyd State Park
South Dartmouth, Massachusetts
April 2017

We first heard the raucous calls deep in the rainforest and I had a heightened awareness that we were close to laying eyes on a wild Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis ). Upon arrival to a small port town, we visited with forestry officers who took us out back and showed us a cage full of cockatoos recently confiscated from smugglers involved in the ongoing illegal trapping and pet trade industry. They were being sent to a rehabilitation facility where a long road to recovery awaited before potential release back into the wild. An incredibly intelligent species with an undeniably striking beauty and majesty whose numbers have severely declined. Despite the current vulnerable status of these birds, I feel hopeful that #conservation efforts are promoting positive local values, education, and necessary protections for one of the most stunning birds I have ever had the privilege to see flying free. Photographed in eastern Indonesia.
@lhdecicco@nickhajdukovich *
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#birdsmatter#yearofthebird#birdyourworld#audubon#audubontakeover#natgeo#natgeobirds #1frame4nature #global4nature#birdlife_insta#goexplore#keepitwild#southeastasia

Chipping Sparrow, I have to admit, I didn’t even pay attention to seeing this Sparrow. I was being dismissive of Sparrows when I took this reference; they were still little brown birds to me. It is also the last species of Sparrow I have reference for. I am sad today knowing I am not going to exploring different species of Sparrows through my drawings until I am able to go see them.
Until then I have some plans, I am going to set up a poster of Sparrows and do a giveaway. I will see about announcing the details of that in a day or so.
This Chipping Sparrow can be seen across all of the continental United States and into Canada and Mexico. It lives full time in southern areas and breeds in northern regions. Soon I should be seeing Chipping Sparrows here in California. There has been one reported at a nearby park. They will come to feeders, especially looking for black oil sunflower seeds.
The Chipping Sparrow I have drawn is in its non-breeding colors. Their breeding colors are a gray face and black bill with a distinctive rufous cap.
#yearofthebird#birdyourworld#birding#caseygirard#dailydrawing#dailybird#sketches#illustration#natureart#audubonsociety#cornellornithology#natgeo#bird#ornithology#drawing#artistoninstagram#california#californiawildlife#sparrow#chippingsparrow#giveaway